Summary
This 5-year research career development program investigates the immunometabolic mechanisms of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine-induced trained immunity in human newborns, focusing on its pathogen-agnostic protective health effects.
Immunometabolic signatures of BCG-induced neonatal trained immunity
US · MA · Boston
NIH
grant
awarded
#nih-5K08AI168487-03
What they want
The project aims to characterize novel immunometabolic mechanisms of BCG vaccine-induced trained immunity in newborns. It builds on the candidate's previous research on in vitro modeling of human leukocyte responses to BCG vaccine formulations. The study will investigate immunometabolic signatures of BCG-induced trained immunity in human newborns, who manifest distinct immunity and bioenergetic demands, based on preliminary data demonstrating distinct immunometabolic rewiring in human newborns and their leukocytes after BCG immunization. The project links expertise in neonatology, immunology, metabolism, vaccinology, and systems biology to dissect cellular and molecular mechanisms of BCG-induced trained immunity in early life.
Deliverables
- Characterize BCG-induced immunometabolic pathways of trained immunity in human newborn monocytes using a novel in vitro platform established by the candidate
- Leverage an in vivo cohort to identify and validate metabolic pathways that may drive trained immunity in BCG-immunized human neonates
- Mechanistically probe age-specific metabolic pathways of BCG-induced trained immunity in vitro
Technical requirements
- Novel in vitro platform established by the candidate for human newborn monocyte studies
Key personnel
- Candidate (Instructor of Pediatrics, Neonatologist)
- Dr. Ofer Levy (mentor, human immunology and vaccinology expert)
- Advisory Committee
